Beyoncé’s Country AMA Win: Numbers, Noise, and What We’re Not Talking About

I have to admit, I’m absolutely fed up with the way this year’s American Music Awards played out in the country category. Beyoncé—yes, Beyoncé—was hailed as the top country artist, and it wasn’t because she’s now the new queen of twang and southern storytelling. It’s because she has a massive fanbase that could vote her into any genre and still win. This article isn’t about hate—it’s about fairness, context, and giving credit where it’s due.

🏆 How the AMAs Work (and Why It Matters)

At the American Music Awards, winners are chosen largely based on fan engagement—not critical reviews or even genre authority. We’re talking streaming numbers, sales, social media buzz, and of course, fan votes.

So when an artist like Beyoncé—arguably one of the most famous global performers alive—dips her toe into country, it’s not a fair fight. If she released a death metal or salsa album tomorrow, she could still sweep the awards purely based on numbers.

And that’s the issue.

Her recent country project Cowboy Carter has stirred the pot—some applaud it as revolutionary, others see it as a surface-level venture riding on a cultural trend. Either way, the success of the album (and the award) isn’t just about artistry—it’s about Beyoncé’s global reach. And let’s be honest: the award could have easily gone to someone who’s been living and breathing country from day one.

It’s also important to clarify that Beyoncé is not the first Black artist to be recognized in country music.

Long before her Cowboy Carter era, trailblazers like Charley Pride, who won multiple CMA Awards and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Darius Rucker, who took home the CMA New Artist of the Year in 2009, had already broken barriers. Kane Brown has also secured numerous American Music Awards in the country category. The difference? Their recognition wasn’t driven by a cultural moment or amplified by a race-driven narrative—it was based on their ongoing contributions, chart success, and connection to the genre itself.

🔥 Post Malone: The Right Kind of Crossover

Now let’s talk about someone who actually earned their keep—Post Malone.

He’s not the best traditional singer, but that’s never been his brand. What he is, however, is intentional. Post has shown a genuine interest in country music, working with actual country legends like Blake Shelton, Hank Williams Jr., and Morgan Wallen.

And guess what? He won Best Male Country Artist at the same AMAs. That makes sense.

Why? Because he’s been collaborating with Nashville’s elite, playing country fests, and immersing himself in the community—not just using it as a temporary stage prop. He’s not here to hijack a genre; he’s here to build with it.

🎤 11 Black Country Artists Who Actually Deserve the Spotlight

Instead of crowning celebrities for venturing into country for a moment, how about we give flowers to the ones who’ve been pushing the genre forward from within?

Here are 11 modern Black country artists who’ve not only earned their spot—but have made the genre richer, deeper, and more diverse:

Mickey Guyton – Made history as the first Black woman nominated for a Grammy in a country solo category. Her song “Black Like Me” is already a classic.

Mickey Guyton is a trailblazing American country music singer and songwriter. In 2020, she made history as the first Black female solo artist to earn a Grammy nomination in a country music category for her song “Black Like Me.” Her powerful vocals and poignant songwriting have earned her critical acclaim and multiple Grammy nominations. Guyton continues to break barriers and pave the way for greater diversity in country music. 

Kane Brown – One of the most successful crossover artists in country today. His fanbase is loyal, and his music blends pop and traditional influences with class.

“Kane Brown is an American country music singer and songwriter known for blending country with R&B and pop influences. He gained prominence through social media and has since released several successful albums, including The High Road in 2025. Brown has achieved multiple chart-topping hits and continues to be a significant figure in modern country music.”

Jimmie Allen – Won the ACM’s New Male Artist of the Year and is a true stage performer with multiple charting hits.

Rissi Palmer – One of the early voices in the movement to highlight Black women in country. Her influence is felt far and wide.

“Rissi Palmer is an American country music artist who made history with her 2007 debut single “Country Girl,” becoming the first Black woman to chart a country song since 1988. She is also the host of Apple Music Country’s show Color Me Country Radio with Rissi Palmer, which highlights the contributions of Black, Indigenous, and Latinx artists in country musi”

Breland – Known for mixing country and hip-hop, his viral hit “My Truck” exploded for good reason. Reyna Roberts – Young, bold, and unapologetically country. She’s next in line for stardom.

“Breland, born Daniel Gerard Breland, is an American singer, songwriter, and producer known for his innovative blend of country, hip-hop, R&B, gospel, and soul. He gained prominence with his 2019 debut single “My Truck,” which went viral on social media and reached No. 26 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. His debut album, Cross Country, released in September 2022, showcases his genre-defying style and includes collaborations with artists like Keith Urban and Thomas Rhett.”

Yola – Soulful, genre-defying, and Grammy-nominated. She’s what happens when country, gospel, and rock meet perfectly. Willie Jones – With a Southern charm and trap-country style, he’s bringing a new vibe to the scene.

“Yola, born Yolanda Claire Quartey, is a British singer-songwriter known for her powerful blend of country, soul, and Americana music. Her debut album, Walk Through Fire (2019), earned her four Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist. She followed up with Stand for Myself (2021), which received critical acclaim and two more Grammy nominations. Beyond music, Yola portrayed Sister Rosetta Tharpe in Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 film Elvis and made her Broadway debut in 2024 as Persephone in Hadestown.”

Tony Jackson – A deep, rich voice and classic country style. Think George Jones with modern storytelling. Blanco Brown – Creator of “TrailerTrap” and the viral Git Up dance. He’s showing just how flexible country can be. The War and Treaty – A powerhouse husband-wife duo known for emotional performances blending gospel, soul, and country.

🎯 Final Thoughts

We’re not here to cancel Beyoncé. We’re just saying don’t call it country domination when there are real artists grinding, touring, collaborating, and building this genre from the inside.

The AMA voting system rewards popularity, not purity, and while there’s nothing wrong with crossover appeal, let’s not pretend that it’s the same as country roots.

It’s time to give real country artists—especially Black country artists—their long-overdue respect and recognition. Not because of a trend, but because they’ve earned it.